When is it appropriate to bring a baby?

[moonstone523]

So enlighten me mommas - when are babies allowed?

For example:

- The Texas Exes group has football watching parties. Some are at people's homes and some are at restaurants. Could I bring a baby to these events? I would obviously mention it to the home owners, but is it something I shouldn't even consider a possibility?

Okay, that's my only example now, but where is it considered normal to bring a baby? And when (or what age) is it appropriate to go the baby sitter route?

[mrsjason]

I don't think anyone would mind if you brought the baby along. I mean, as long as she is not screaming her head off and I sure people would be delighted to see her.

As for the babysitter thing......I was probably a little late to hire one.......the first time Macy had a baby sitter was 18 months. But then again we don't have any family where we live so I wasn't keen on the idea of leaving her with a 16 year old.

[surfbetty530]

I am wondering this too!

[sara76]

I think it's just a matter of comfort level. I think if you are wearing your baby you'll be fine to bring her everywhere.

As far as babysitters, in my opinion after the first few weeks the sooner the better. Obviously once she gets the hang of the bottle, and as long as it's someone with newborn experience and not the pre teen from up the road that wants some clothes money, but family or a close friend, or an experienced care provider, I think it's fine. That being said, I haven't left A with anyone besides her dad, my MIL or my sister yet and she's almost 8 months.

[jen812]

I'm sure your friends wouldn't mind the baby at their house. As far as the restaurant, it might be too loud for her. D doesn't mind, but some babies might.

[sara76]

Agreed, A def likes quieter restaurants. We pick our places to eat based on music type and volume a lot. A is quite fond of J Alexander's. They have amazing avocado too

[mrsshawanab]

We have been taking Blake out to restaurants since a few days after I was home from the hospital. It is great because he is now acclimated to noise and it doesn't bother him at all.

As for if we are hanging out with other people or going to their houses, I always ask. I just think it's polite. Some of our friends we wouldn't ask because they have kids too and you know how your friends are. Obviously if we are going out to a bar at night or somewhere where they may be cigarette smoke or un-child friendly scenarios we don't bring him. Also, sometimes we just want a break so we get a babysitter.

I think a lot of times it will be common sense to you.

[amellis2]

I think it's is when you feel comfortable. If you want to go to a football watching game and you are feeling well enough, then I say go for it. If you are wearing her, all the easier for you.

[kimandross]

I say as early as you feel comfortable. Its so much easier to take them out when they are tiny, as compared to when they're mobile and still unable to communicate.

[sara76]

Aug 20, 2012 13:00:39 GMT -5 kimandross said:

I say as early as you feel comfortable. Its so much easier to take them out when they are tiny, as compared to when they're mobile and still unable to communicate.

Amen sister! I took A to a BBQ this week and everyone who held her was like "woah! She is a wiggle worm!". I don't even know what I'm going to do when she starts walking. It's like this baby has a fire under her ass

[jennifer8080]

We took Kennedy every where from day 6 (our first day out of the NICU) - restaurants, parties, etc. we didn't have a babysitter until she was 11 months old and that was my mom. H and I had a charity event, and went out to dinner afterwards (since the food sucked.) Kennedy always did very well going out and being around noise, etc. I think because we took her out so much she's always continued to be very well behaved and adjusted in restaurants or in large groups.

[melis74]

We've taken her to restaurants, parties and a wedding. I did ask the host re: the parties and both times I got, "You better bring her", so that was nice.

[dvroxy]

I would take MacKenzie everywhere (restaurants, shopping, parties, etc). I have only taken her to one wedding, though. Unless she was specifically invited, I wouldn't bring her to those. At this point, I barely go anywhere, though.

I don't see why anyone would mind having your baby around while watching a football game.

As far as babysitters, my parents are my only sitter. I had my niece watch her the other evening, but it was MacKenzie's bedtime and only for a few hours.